REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
October 20, 2026
FROM
DAWN ROWE, Third District Supervisor, Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
Dissolution of Federal Affairs Committee and Designation of Legislative Advocacy Representatives
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Dissolve the Federal Affairs Committee established for input on the County’s federal lobbying efforts.
2. Designate Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe as legislative advocacy representatives for the 2027-2028 legislative year, coinciding with the state legislative session, to provide input on the County’s state and federal lobbying efforts.
(Presenter: Dawn Rowe, Third District Supervisor, 387-4855)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Improve County Government Operations.
Foster Sustainable Development Through Strategic Partnerships.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item is not anticipated to result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). It is anticipated that funding for travel-related expenses will be funded by the Finance and Administration’s Governmental and Legislative Affairs (GLA) budget. To ensure fiscal responsibility, the legislative advocacy representatives’ visits would be limited and strategically scheduled to maximize effective advocacy while keeping costs at a minimum.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On January 14, 2025 (Item No. 8), the Board of Supervisors (Board) established a Federal Affairs Committee, appointing Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret.) as the Federal Affairs Committee Chair, and Supervisor Dawn Rowe to the Committee, to oversee the County’s federal lobbying efforts to ensure the County successfully receives federal funding. Approval of Recommendation No. 1 will dissolve the Federal Affairs Committee.
Approval of Recommendation No. 2 will designate Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe as legislative advocacy representatives for the 2027-2028 legislative year. Legislative priorities and policy positions would continue to be established through the County’s legislative platform (Platform), as adopted by the Board. The legislative advocacy representatives would play a pivotal role in actively championing and communicating the Board’s established priorities in state and federal advocacy forums during the most significant times of the year for the upcoming 2027-2028 legislative year, including seeking federal or state funding sources. GLA would continue to manage day-to-day legislative activity, ensuring advocacy efforts align with the Board-approved Platform.
The legislative advocacy representatives would provide input as priority issues arise, and participate in coordinated advocacy efforts, including two Sacramento advocacy engagements and one Washington, D.C. advocacy engagement during the 2027-2028 legislative year. GLA would coordinate advocacy travel, such as scheduling, messaging, and meeting objectives, to ensure consistency and accountability.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Julie Surber, Principal Assistant County Counsel, 387-5455) on September 16, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Erika Rodarte, Administrative Analyst, 387-4919 and Penelope Chang, Principal Administrative Analyst, 387-4886) on September 21, 2026.